When most people think about making the switch to solar power, they typically think of the panels installed on their roof. However, solar systems are an intricate setup made up of several key components that work together to generate power. The foundation of this system is the solar inverter.
The inverter is responsible for converting the direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panels into the alternating current (AC) electricity that powers your home or business. In short, a solar energy system’s performance depends on picking the right inverter.
But, just like solar panels there are plenty of inverter types and brands to choose from – each with its own features, strengths, and price points. This can make the choice feel all the more overwhelming, especially if you especially if you’re not quite sure what to look for or how each option performs in real-world conditions.
In this post, we break down the top 10 solar inverters in Australia for 2025, so you can make a confident, informed choice that suits your energy needs and your budget.
What Are Solar Inverters & Why You Need One?
While your solar panels capture sunlight, this energy cannot be used in your home as-is, it needs to be converted first. Solar inverters are the brain of your solar energy system, responsible for transforming the raw electricity produced by your panels into safe, usable power for your home or business. Without an inverter, your solar system simply wouldn’t function.
How Solar Inverters Work
When sunlight hits your solar panels, it generates direct current (DC) electricity. However, your home runs on alternating current (AC) power. That’s where the inverter steps in. It converts high-voltage DC electricity, often up to 1,000 volts, into standard 230V AC, which powers everything from your lights and fridge to your phone charger and TV.
While this is the primary function, modern solar inverters offer additional features, such as:
- Maximise energy output by tracking panel performance in real time
- Ensure compliance with local grid standards and safety regulations
- Manage energy flow, especially in systems that export to the grid or include battery storage
- Integrate with smart devices like EV chargers or solar batteries for more efficient energy use
Different Types Of Solar Inverters
When choosing an inverter for your home, it’s essential to understand the different types available. Each comes with unique benefits, and the best one for you depends on factors like roof layout, shading, and long-term goals.
- String Inverters: String inverters link multiple solar panels to a single inverter. These are ideal for straightforward, unshaded roofs but may underperform if any panel is shaded, as the system relies on the weakest panel to determine the output of the entire string—meaning one shaded panel can reduce the performance of the whole system.
- Microinverters: These are attached to each individual panel, giving each one its own “brain.” Microinverters are perfect for roofs with shading or different panel angles, as they work independently to maximize power output. Studies show that microinverter systems can generate up to 20% more power in unshaded conditions and 27% more in shaded conditions compared to string systems.
- Power Optimisers: These devices work alongside string inverters to enhance the performance of each panel, especially in partially shaded environments. They’re a more affordable alternative to microinverters while still boosting output.
- Hybrid Inverters: If you’re planning on adding a battery in the future, hybrid inverters come with built-in battery integration. These inverters are ideal for homeowners who want to combine solar power generation with energy storage.
- Modular Hybrid Inverters: A relatively new technology, these are stackable inverters let you easily add batteries or EV chargers to your system without the need for complex rewiring.
What to Look for in a Solar Inverter in 2025
There are a few factors worth considering when choosing a solar inverter for your setup (beyond budget, of course) These include:
Efficiency Ratings
Efficiency tells you how much of the energy captured by your solar panels actually makes it into your home as usable electricity. A higher efficiency rating means less energy is lost in the conversion process.
- Peak Efficiency: The best inverters in 2025 hit peak efficiencies of 97–98%.
- CEC Efficiency: Certified by the Clean Energy Council, this is a more realistic measure of how an inverter performs under typical Australian conditions.
- Standby Consumption: Top-quality inverters consume very little power (around 1–5 watts) when idle, helping reduce waste.
Worth noting: Brands like Fronius may show slightly lower efficiency on paper, but their active cooling systems often help the unit last longer and perform more reliably in hot weather.
Smart Features
Many modern solar inverters are packed with intelligent features designed to help you monitor, control, and optimise your energy use.
- Real-time monitoring through user-friendly apps
- AI-powered analytics that learn your household energy habits
- Remote diagnostics to troubleshoot issues without calling a technician
- Predictive insights into energy production and consumption patterns
Many 2025 models now come with bi-directional capabilities. This means they can store surplus solar energy in home batteries for later use, and if necessary, supply power back to the grid.
Warranty, Support & Brand Reputation
With solar inverters, good after-sales support and solid warranties are essential. Here’s what to look for:
- Warranty Length: Expect 5 to 15 years as standard. Premium brands often offer 10+ years of coverage.
- “5+5” Warranties: Some brands (like SMA and Fronius) offer full coverage for the first five years, followed by parts-only for the next five.
- Repair Locations: Check whether repairs are handled locally. Inverters that need to be sent overseas can leave your system offline for weeks.
Industry data shows that around 1 in 5 solar issues are inverter-related, so choosing a brand with a reputation for quality and local support is beneficial.
Safety & Grid Compliance in Australia
In some states, solar inverters must meet AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 standards and be configured with Australia A settings. These ensure:
- Safe and stable connection to the electricity grid
- Protection for your system and others during grid faults
- Legal eligibility to export excess solar energy
If you’re working with a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer, compliance should already be covered, but it’s still wise to double-check before purchasing.
Price vs. Performance
Solar inverters range from budget models to high-end units packed with features. While it’s tempting to focus on upfront cost, it’s often better to think long-term.
- Budget inverters may save money at installation but could require more frequent repairs or replacements.
- Premium inverters usually offer better durability, more accurate monitoring, and longer warranties, often translating to greater value over a 15–20 year system lifespan.
Top 10 Solar Inverters
Certainly, here are tables summarising the information about each solar inverter brand from the sources provided.
Fronius
Fronius, an Austrian-engineered company, is a favourite among Australian solar installers and homeowners alike. Founded in 1945 with battery charging systems they have has a strong presence in solar inverters since 1992, even earning gold n the 2023 and 2024 SolarQuotes Installers’ Choice Awards.
With a local office in Melbourne since 2010 and an APAC support centre in Perth, Fronius offers local support, meaning quicker responses and easier troubleshooting for Australian homeowners.
Topic | Details |
Key Features | The Gen24 series, Fronius’ current flagship for residential solar systems offers a number of key features:
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Energy Efficiency | The Gen24 series features active cooling technology, which not only enhances the inverter’s efficiency but also contributes to its long-term durability. By regulating temperature effectively, the inverter maintains optimal performance even during peak usage hours. This system ensures minimal energy loss, which translates into greater solar power generation and higher savings. |
Pros & Cons | Pros:
Cons:
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Monitoring and Support | Fronius offers a comprehensive monitoring system to help you track your solar energy production. Their app provides real-time updates on solar generation and expected savings. For those looking to expand their monitoring, the Fronius Smart Meter accessory is available to track consumption and offers integration with smart home systems. Fronius’ Australian-based support team ensures that help is always accessible when you need it, and their customer service ranks as one of the best in the industry. |
Warranty Coverage |
To activate the warranty, simply register your inverter online. |
Sungrow
Founded in 1997, Sungrow has grown into a global solar inverter powerhouse and is now one of the Sungrow has grown into a global solar inverter powerhouse. It has built a strong reputation for combining affordability, efficiency, and innovation.
Since entering the Australian market in 2012, Sungrow has maintained a local office in North Sydney, providing dedicated service and support. Its commitment to Australian Consumer Guarantees has earned the trust of both homeowners and installers, ranking second in the 2025 SQ Installers’ Choice Awards.
Topic | Details |
Key Features | Sungrow’s residential inverters are known for their smart features and durability.
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Energy Efficiency | Residential models achieve conversion rates over 98%, turning more sunlight into usable energy. |
Pros & Cons | Pros:
Cons:
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Monitoring and Support | The iSolarCloud monitoring platform gives users complete access to live system data through smartphone apps and web dashboards. It also allows for remote diagnostics, firmware updates, and real-time alerts, making it easy to stay on top of your system’s performance. Support is backed by Australian-based operations in Sydney, so assistance is available within local time zones, essential for warranty claims and queries. |
Warranty Coverage | In April 2020, Sungrow extended its standard 5-year warranty to 10 years on many inverter models. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, offering repair or replacement when needed. |
GoodWe
While GoodWe is a newer solar inverter brand at just over a decade old it has quickly earned a reputation as a reliable, economical choice for Australian homeowners. GoodWe combines smart design, affordability, and solid performance, making it a cost-effective alternative to premium brands. In fact, the company even produces inverters for major names like GE and LG, a testament to its global manufacturing strength and dependability.
Topic | Details |
Key Features |
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Energy Efficiency | GoodWe inverters are built to maximize energy conversion, with some models achieving up to 98.6% efficiency. That means more usable power during the day. |
Pros & Cons | Pros:
Cons:
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Monitoring and Support | GoodWe’s Smart Energy Management System (SEMS) gives homeowners real-time insight into their system’s performance. The free platform works through both smartphone apps and web portals, offering:
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Warranty Coverage | Standard warranty was extended to 10 years for all grid-connect inverters made after October 1, 2020. Homeowners must register on GoodWe’s SEMS portal to claim this warranty. |
SolarEdge
With a unique DC-optimised inverter system that blends the benefits of string inverters and microinverters, SolarEdge offers a smart, scalable, and high-efficiency inverter solution.
Unlike traditional string inverters where one panel can drag down the performance of the whole system, SolarEdge uses a hybrid model:
- String inverter + panel-level power optimizers
- Individual panel tracking for accurate performance data
- Fewer, longer strings allow more flexibility in panel layout
This setup gives you the performance benefits of microinverters, but at a lower cost and with simplified maintenance and service from one single provider.
Topic | Details |
Key Features |
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Energy Efficiency | With a market-leading 99.2% maximum efficiency, this puts SolarEdge well ahead of standard inverters (which typically achieve 95–98%). |
Pros & Cons | Pros:
Cons:
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Monitoring and Support | Stay in control of your solar performance with the mySolarEdge app. This intuitive platform offers:
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Warranty Coverage | SolarEdge is known for offering some of the strongest warranties in the industry:
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SMA
Founded in 1981 in Germany and active in Australia since 2007, SMA has built a global reputation for engineering excellence, long-term reliability, and rock-solid performance. SMA consistently ranks among the top 10 solar inverter brands, and its long-standing presence in the country reflects its commitment to local service and support.
Topic | Details |
Key Features | SMA’s inverters, like the popular Sunny Boy and Tripower series, are packed with advanced features designed to maximise solar output and system flexibility:
For those living off the grid or looking for backup power, SMA’s Sunny Island inverter supports self-consumption, off-grid setups, and battery backup, and is compatible with more than 20 types of lithium-ion batteries. |
Energy Efficiency | Select SMA models reach up to 98.7% energy efficiency, placing them at the high end of inverter performance. This means minimal power loss and maximum energy conversion, translating to greater long-term savings. |
Pros & Cons | Pros:
Cons:
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Monitoring and Support | SMA offers a Cloud-based portal platform that provides complete system oversight. It’s service is free with Sunny Portal and monitors inverters automatically 24/7. The system alerts users and installers if problems arise and an Australian support team is ready for technical questions and warranty claims. |
Warranty Coverage | SMA inverters now come with a 10-year full warranty in Australia (5 years standard + 5 extra years after registration). Optional extensions up to 15 years can also be purchased. Their warranty claim process is backed by a unique promise: if replacement parts aren’t delivered within three days, SMA will compensate system operators. |
Huawei
Huawei is a powerhouse when it comes to technology and innovation – and brings that expertise to solar generation as well. With advanced engineering capabilities and a sharp focus on performance and reliability, it has led global inverter shipments since 2015.
Topic | Details |
Key Features | Huawei’s SUN2000 series is a range of hybrid inverters built to combine exceptional efficiency, AI-powered intelligence, and user-friendly design. Key features include:
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Energy Efficiency | Delivers exceptional efficiency rates above 98%, effectively converting energy throughout its lifespan. |
Pros & Cons | Pros:
Cons:
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Monitoring and Support | Accessible monitoring app turns your mobile device into a detailed system management tool. Helps users learn about energy production and consumption patterns for smarter usage decisions. |
Warranty Coverage | Huawei supports its inverters with a comprehensive 10-year warranty, which includes spare parts, logistics, and replacement costs. For added peace of mind, you can extend the warranty up to 20 years for an additional fee |
Enphase
Enphase is redefining solar power with its microinverter technology, offering one of the most reliable and efficient inverter solutions in Australia for 2025. Unlike traditional string inverters that connect panels in a series, Enphase uses small microinverters installed beneath each panel, allowing them to operate independently. This design boosts performance, improves system reliability, and makes it a top choice for complex or shaded rooftops.
Topic | Details |
Key Features | The Enphase IQ8 Microinverter series is the first microgrid-forming inverter capable of split-phase power conversion. With the ability to operate on or off the grid, the IQ8s are future-proof, flexible, and ready to support energy independence.
Because each panel has its own microinverter, Enphase systems perform exceptionally well on complex or multi-angled rooftops, where shading or varied orientations would otherwise reduce efficiency. This modular approach also allows for easy system upgrades, whether you’re adding panels now or in the future. |
Energy Efficiency | Enphase ensures every panel works at its maximum potential, regardless of shade or roof direction. With Burst Mode, the system can capture more energy during lower sunlight hours, boosting overall output. |
Pros & Cons | Pros:
Cons:
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Monitoring and Support | Managing your system is effortless with the Enlighten app, Enphase’s user-friendly monitoring platform. It provides real-time insights into energy production and consumption, including historical performance data. |
Warranty Coverage | Enphase offers one of the longest warranties in the industry. The IQ8 series comes with a 25-year warranty, giving homeowners peace of mind that matches the typical lifespan of solar panels. Previous systems were backed by a still-impressive 15-year warranty. |
SolaX
With over 12 years of experience, this Chinese manufacturer has gained popularity by catering to budget-conscious households, delivering reliable solar solutions without compromising on performance.
Topic | Details |
Key Features | SolaX inverters are designed to support greater energy autonomy, making them ideal for those who want to reduce their reliance on the grid. Key features include:
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Energy Efficiency | Despite its affordability, SolaX achieves impressive energy efficiency ratings between 97.1% and 98.5%, which surpass industry standards for residential systems. With features like MPPT optimisation and oversizing capabilities, SolaX systems are engineered to get the most out of every ray of sunshine. |
Pros & Cons | Pros:
Cons:
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Monitoring and Support | Managing your solar setup is simple with the SolaXCloud platform, offering complete real-time monitoring via web or mobile app. Users can:
The platform also enables shared access, allowing installers or technicians to assist remotely if needed. They also offer local Australian support, and a promise to respond within 2 hours and resolve most issues within 48. |
Warranty Coverage | SolaX offers a standard 5-year warranty on parts and labor, which applies from the date of installation (within 5.5 years of factory delivery). However, there’s good news:
It’s important to note that proper installation and ventilation are required to maintain warranty validity. |
Sinenergy
Sinenergy offers modular, all-in-one energy solutions designed to meet the growing demands of modern households. The brand blends cutting-edge AI technology with innovative design to create products that push the boundaries of energy efficiency and reliability.
Topic | Details |
Key Features | The Sigen Hybrid Inverter from Sinenergy is a standout in the solar inverter market, offering several features that maximize energy harvesting and system efficiency:
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Energy Efficiency | Sinenergy’s inverters are engineered to maximise energy efficiency by utilising AI-powered optimisation and a DC/AC ratio up to 2. This allows the system to capture more energy even in challenging conditions, such as cloudy weather or partial shading. Additionally, the up to 4 MPP trackers ensure that the system is always maximising energy production from every panel. |
Pros & Cons | Pros:
Cons:
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Monitoring and Support | The mySigen app revolutionizes solar system management with AI integration, making it easy to monitor and optimise your system. Key capabilities include:
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Warranty Coverage | Sinenergy offers solid warranties that ensure long-term peace of mind for homeowners:
The warranty guarantees 70% capacity retention at year 10 or a minimum energy throughput, whichever occurs first |
Growatt
Growatt is a well-established Chinese solar inverter manufacturer with over 12 years of industry experience. Known for its balance between affordability and performance, Growatt is a popular choice among budget-conscious homeowners who want CEC-approved, reliable technology.
Topic | Details |
Key Features | Growatt’s residential and commercial solutions are designed for quiet operation, strong battery integration, and remote monitoring, all at a competitive price point.
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Energy Efficiency | Growatt inverters are surprisingly efficient given their price point:
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Pros & Cons | Pros:
Cons:
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Monitoring and Support | Growatt offers a complete remote management system, making it easy to keep manage your solar setup:
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Warranty Coverage | Growatt inverters come with a standard 5-year warranty from the installation date, with optional extended coverage up to 10 years on select models. However, there are a few important notes:
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Key Takeaways
Choosing the right solar inverter is the key to your system’s long-term success. With so many high-performing and efficient options available, the right choice ultimately depends on your home’s unique layout, energy usage, and future plans.
Whether you need a reliable string inverter for a straightforward setup, microinverters to tackle shading, or a hybrid system ready for battery storage down the track, there’s a solution that fits.
At SAE Group, we offer a full suite of inverter options and the expert guidance to help you choose what’s right for your home. From tailored advice to professional installation and aftercare, our team is here to ensure your solar journey is smooth, efficient, and built to last.
Get in touch with our team today and let’s find the right inverter for your solar power system.